Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington Republican, says a long-term investment in the country’s transportation infrastructure is going to be one priority where she sees the potential for bipartisan support.
She said Thursday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that only a “small percentage” of the economic stimulus package passed in the wake of the 2008 downturn actually went to transportation infrastructure.
“That is going to be a priority,” said Ms. McMorris Rodgers, who chairs the House Republican conference. “As you think about building a healthy economy, we have a long list of important infrastructure needs in this country, and that is a priority … a long-term transportation bill, there’s already been an outline put together between the House and the Senate that I think is a good foundation for that, and that is a priority for us.”
“And it’s been long overdue — both parties recognize it; this is something that we [could] come together on, which I’m excited about, I think we all recognize that this is one where we [have] to be able to get it done,” she continued.
As fuel-efficient cars and other modes of transportation have eaten into the revenue-generating power of the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents a gallon, lawmakers have been searching for alternative ways to boost the depleted highway trust fund.
Earlier in the year, Congress passed a short-term fix that was signed by President Obama over the summer. A few members are also renewing a push for an increase to the gas tax, which has not seen an increase since 1993 but is likely a non-starter in a Congress soon to be fully controlled by Republicans.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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